One Of The Rarest Nike LeBron PEs Gets References On The NXXT Gen

With LeBron James set to start his 22nd season, each year has been a celebration, reliving his early highlights as he continues to add to a once-in-a-lifetime career. Long-time sneakerheads will know that laong that journey, few shoes have been able to rival the sheer rarity of the black & gold colorway of the first signature LeBron shoes, minted way back in 2003. It’s a past meets future moment as the latest edition of the Nike Zoom LeBron NXXT Gen AMPD takes its colorway from that exact pair.

The nocturnal version of James’ first signature obviously leans into the Cavs colors he sported in his first stint, but when revived here, they become serendipitously synergistic. That is to say, the gold accents certainly play well with the purple & gold, with championship pedigree and with Hollywood swagger.

Especially given that the colorways are identically, it makes it hard to ignore how the NXXT gen mirrors the Zoom Generation‘s overall shape some two decades later; the jagged split on the upper and midsole the most striking similarity. Though a takedown of the Nike LeBron 21, it speaks to the overarching design motifs that have marked each of the Kings kicks, sure to continue with the LeBron 22 this Holiday. While the OG PE seems unlikely to hit shelves, this shoe presents a sleek compromise, the patent leather up top adding some stylish appeal along the way.

This Nike Zoom LeBron NXXT Gen AMPD will release this July, retailing for $170. Catch official images via the gallery below in the meantime.

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